The School Workforce (SWF) Census is now becoming a reality for schools in Norfolk. This new termly DCSF survey will eventually replace other data collection exercises already undertaken by schools and the LA and will streamline the collection of data in relation to teaching and non-teaching staff who work in your school.

All Authorities are directed to start a trial data collection that will include information on individuals working in your school, the posts they hold, their contracts and pay, any absences from work, their qualifications and, for high school teachers only, the subjects and year groups they teach.

In January and May 2009, a minimum of 10% of schools in Norfolk must be included in this trial data collection. We are hoping that many of the schools that use the Pearson-Phoenix e1 MI system will be included in the trial along with a few schools using other packages. We already have some schools that have volunteered but we are asking for more to put their names forward for consideration for inclusion. There will be a further trial collection in September 2009 that will be for all schools.

We are hoping to have a sample of schools that are representative across phases and schools' MI systems. Whilst all schools will be supported prior to implementation, should you volunteer and be selected, you will have the benefit of knowing you are fully prepared in advance to fulfil the requirements of this statutory DCSF survey in January 2010. Our combined experiences will help us all to develop the best way of tackling this new task in preparation for 'go live' in January 2010.

If you would like to be considered for inclusion in the pilot or for further details please contact Nigel Peacock or Louise Hodgson in the IRC Data Team in Children's Services by 31st July 2008.

Further information about the SWF Census can be found on TeacherNet at
www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/ims/datacollections/swfcpilot/

The regularly updated web pages on the Norfolk Schools website can be found at
http://schools.norfolk.gov.uk/sites/swfcensus.
If you have any comments on the site please contact either Nigel or Louise at the IRC.

Thank you in anticipation of your invaluable assistance in this matter.